The Caesarstone Kitchen of the Year presenters are in the Durban area for week 5, visiting the 2nd local kitchen design finalist in the competition. Two-time former winner, Beth Haynes, is the designer of this classic kitchen, while Marisa McKenzie talks us through how her new kitchen needed to serve her family of 5. With pristine Frosty Carrina kitchen countertops, you'll be inspired to design your own classic kitchen!
View Episode 5 and enter this week’s KitchenAid giveaway after watching the video below, and keep reading for this finalist kitchen’s plans, interviews and more!
HOMEOWNER & DESIGNER INTERVIEWS, PLANS & IMAGES
We chatted to homeowner, Marisa Mckenzie, away from the cameras to get the scoop on the planning behind her new Caesarstone kitchen.
Homeowner Marisa Mckenzie had a strong vision for her family-oriented Caesarstone kitchen design.How prescriptive were you with Beth, your designer, when it came to your new kitchen?
I was prescriptive in the style I was looking for, and there were a few things that I wanted in the kitchen. Beth was very good in reading what I wanted and working with the space. She came up with the design and layout which worked well.
Were there any specific aspects that you asked the designer to incorporate in your design?
I wanted the centre island, butler sink, pantry and small draws for keys and odd items near the stairs.
The view from the kitchen encompasses the front door and open plan dining area - perfect for entertaining family and friends.How did you feel when you finally saw the kitchen finalised?
I absolutely loved it!
A fantastic wide-angle view of the kitchen and dining area from the front door. We love how the entertainment spaces flow out onto the outdoor patio and beautiful views.How did you feel seeing your new Caesarstone surfaces?
They are beautiful. It wasn’t quite in the budget but I was so glad I went for the one I loved rather than the one in the budget.
Frosty Carrina, with its subtle, marble-inspired patterning, was the Caesarstone design that Marisa absolutely fell in love with.How would you describe your new kitchen?
Our kitchen is warm and open with a beautiful ambience. The grey colour is unique in that it is not a cool grey but a warmer tone. The style is classic with a hint of French and traditional. Our designer has done a sterling job of combining the Caesarstone, wood and cupboards to all work well together.
The details and thought behind each kitchen design element help to make this a stand-out design.What relationship does your kitchen and kitchen activities have with the rest of your life?
Our kitchen is the centre of our home, everything starts and ends there. We all spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and because of the centre island everyone gathers there to eat, chat or make meals. My kitchen is important and must work for me, which this one does.
How much assistance did the designer give you in conceptualising your new kitchen?
Lots! She is proficient with an amazing program, where she was able to show me different options, changes, colours etc. in a 3D virtual walk through of our space.
What is your favourite aspect of your new kitchen?
I absolutely love the kitchen island, the Caesarstone, pantry and the grocery cupboard with pull out draws.
The scullery houses both the walk-in pantry and hardworking elements every kitchen needs.
Beth Haynes was also on hand to talk us through her experience of designing the Mckenzie kitchen.
Beth, what was your first impression of this kitchen when you received the contract?
The home is a new build set in a valley with beautiful views into natural bush. My feeling was that the kitchen was too cut off from the family living area and didn’t take full advantage of the setting.
How prescriptive was your client for their kitchen design?
My client had a clear view of the kind of kitchen she wanted to achieve. For the style of their family home, she envisaged a fairly traditional kitchen; with a classic timeless look that wouldn’t date over time. With the use of Pinterest she had created a “board” of visual elements she liked.
The feature wall and cooking zone required much consideration from designer Beth Haynes to get the end result.How did you manage to implement their ideas with your creative flair and insight?
With a clear vision of their brief, a list of appliances they required, and a floorplan, I was able to begin the design process. After re-drawing the floorplan in my 3D program, I visualised the space and used my knowledge of what would work best for the kitchen layout. And this is where the fun starts. By integrating the client’s resources and ideas with my artistic knowledge and imagination, I feel I created a beautiful, appealing and practical space for all family members to enjoy.
A closer look at the technical aspect of Beth's kitchen design for the Mckenzie family.What were the challenges that you faced in designing this kitchen and how did you overcome them?
I was concerned the space was closed off from the family room and the outdoors. I suggested removing the wall and doorway between the two areas. This was a big change from the architectural plans. I therefore presented a new floorplan and 3D visuals of the new space to the architect and client for their feedback. They both loved the proposal and gave the go ahead to the builder.
Were you intentional in trying to incorporate new trends into your design?
Yes to a degree, but I like to reflect the client’s personality more than the latest trends. For that reason I chose to use trendy grey and neutral colours; and an uncluttered, clean look rather than a very traditional style. The simple, elegant lighting over the island, the non-glossy subway tiles, the bar stools are other ways of how we incorporated new trends.
Could you point out to us some of your design elements in the kitchen?

The initial feature as you enter the kitchen is the cooking area with canopy and high level, out of reach top glass displays on either side.

The butlers sink is centralised to the window, where I suggested making the window counter height, so the Caesarstone continues into the window sill creating a deeper, seamless counter space. In doing so, the natural light reflects beautifully off the Caesarstone counter into the kitchen.

The island with the open shelves display shelves, along with the wall mounted floating shelves; both create a visual feature from the family room.

All of these elements created a warm, welcoming kitchen, which was our goal.

The film crew and director hard at work shooting close ups of the kitchen.What is your favourite aspect of this kitchen?
The relationship with the Caesarstone and the butlers sink, and the flow created by extending the Caesarstone into the window and the island with the open display shelves on one end.
Beth expertly designed the feature butler's sink and cabinetry.Were you surprised to be one of the eight finalists?
Completely! Yes, I have won the competition in the past; however, I have seen past designers’ work and how much amazing talent there is in South Africa. Personally, I am always trying to do my best to grow and challenge myself to exceed the expectations of clients. It is incredibly rewarding knowing that I have achieved this.
Styling and fittings can add beautifully to your kitchen's design scheme. We loved Marisa's choice of light fitting for the dining area and her earthy ceramics positioned in the kitchen island shelving!
If you’re renovating or building a new kitchen, make sure you visit www.caesarstone.co.za to pick out your perfect Caesarstone countertops for the kitchen design of your dreams!
What were your favourite elements of this kitchen design? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to enter the incredible Kitchen of the Year viewer competition each week!

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7 Responses

The kitchen is so beautiful ,I wish I could have one .a women spends 99% of her life in the kitchen .
She needs have a spacious place ,My kitchen is in a terrible state ,need new counters ,the dos are falling
Apart .I would have loved the video ,couldn’t down load it

Beautiful kitchen. Love the colour combinations in relation to the wood additions. My only point for reflection would be the very odd placement of the microwave. It certainly gives the feeling of being the “heart of the home”.